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EXPLORE PORTLAND | | | | | | | 2534 SE Belmont
Portland,
OR
97214-2823
503-813-0000 | | | | | Description: The decor isn't hip or contemporary, but the Thai food is so authentic that it makes allowances for the nondescript interior. The incredible cuisine is also the reason that the place is so busy, frequented by loyal regulars and a crowd that includes everyone from older folks to young couples with kids. The informal atmosphere and the congenial servers only make the experience that much more enjoyable. Spring rolls are well done, as is the classic pad thai, and the hot-and-sour chicken soup is a taste sensation. You'll also be pleased by the curries and the selection of noodle dishes. Food has a characteristic spiciness, although you can tame it if you choose. The peanut sauce is sublime.
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| BC2 - Bentos, Coffee & Cookies431 SW Madison St
Portland,
OR
97204
503-227-0707 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. Chang Sim runs this bento joint, which is the place to check out Portland's political powerhouses when they chow down at lunch, having made their escape from offices in City Hall just across the street. Politicos typically favor succulent chicken entrees for around five bucks, and local Oregonian writers often snoop around the place in hopes of catching wind of political spills.
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| 301 NW 4th Ave
Portland,
OR
97209
503-228-6868 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. Almost everyone acknowledges that Fong Chong is the top choice when it comes to dim sum in Portland. At lunchtime, in particular, diners descend upon the place to sample these tasty Chinese morsels, and heavily-laden carts wend their way among tables, inviting patrons to select what tempts them most. Smart diners choose several and share them among the group. If you decide to sample other dishes, you'll find fresh fish and a smattering of casseroles prepared in clay pots. Everything is delicious, but it's hard to top the dim sum, especially when you get such a fantastic selection.
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| 606 SW Broadway
Portland,
OR
97205
503-294-1169 | | | | | Description: Although you'll find a wealth of Japanese cuisine at Koji, it's the sushi that patrons constantly crave. The clean-lined space is warm and inviting, a departure from the expected decor but welcoming all the same. Sushi and sashimi of all types can be had, and the chefs roll it right before you, so you know it's fresh. If you happen not to be in the mood for maki or nigiri, you'll also find large, fragrant bowls of soup, light tempura dishes, teriyaki selections and katsu. Specialty dishes expand the options and change regularly, depending on the whims of the kitchen and whatever's in season.
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| 8001 SE Division St
Portland,
OR
97206
503-777-2828 | | | | | Description: A strong contender for having the best dim sum in town, Legin certainly offers an extensive selection. The large space comes complete with fresh fish tanks and a wealth of Asian patrons, who validate the authenticity of the cuisine. They sample all the best dishes and even take advantage of such delicacies as chicken feet and sea cucumber. But if you opt to stick to basics, you certainly can't go wrong with shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, barbecue pork buns and savory vegetable dishes. The steamed fish, tender and aromatic, also makes for a terrific choice. Although Legin is usually packed at lunchtime on the weekends, you'll do well if you come early and head off the crowds.
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| 1705 NE Couch St
Portland,
OR
97232
503-231-5780 | | | | | Description: Set in an historic home furnished with antiques, this incredible restaurant is the ultimate in authentic Thai cuisine. Each dish is prepared to order and features only the best ingredients and spices. Unlike many restaurants that promise heat in their food, Lemongrass delivers, and you may want to consult with your server to discern the best level for your palate. Pad Thai is a classic made more delectable here, and you'll also find a good selection of curries and stir-fries, redolent with herbs. Steamed mussels are excellent as well. Lemongrass doesn't accept reservations, so plan accordingly.
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| 1123 NW 23rd Ave
Portland,
OR
97210
503-796-2012 | | | | | Description: An innovative interior of pale colors and intriguing lighting fixtures recommends this restaurant, although it can be a bit noisy given its expansive space. The menu shifts from Vietnamese to Thai cuisine, and although both are done well, Vietnamese dishes take precedence over Thai selections. Noodle dishes are good bets, as are the seafood-based soups, which are particularly satisfying when the weather is cool. Salad rolls (rice wrappers filled with noodles, vegetables and shrimp) are tasty as well and provide a light snack when you're waiting for your entree. The restaurant, generally well-priced, is a particular value at lunchtime.
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| 3404 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland,
OR
97214
503-230-1474 | | | | | Description: An excellent value, Pho Van serves up Vietnamese cuisine at prices that please. Visit this Hawthorne neighborhood eatery and enjoy home made goodies like Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), Tai nam (round steak and flank), Mi Vit Tiem (braised duck) or Com Tom Thit (honey lemongrass pork and shrimp). Star anise, cardamom and cinnamon mingle together to produce a unique flavor and accent the noteworthy vegetable, beef and noodle dishes. The creators of Pho Van have three other area locations, and at each one they offer the same motto, "An Ngon" or "Eat Well."
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| 200 SW Market St
Portland,
OR
97201-5715
503-227-0080 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. Many Japanese restaurants, especially ones that offer sushi, have filtered their menus through a Californian aesthetic, but not this one. True to its Japanese traditions, Murata offers the best in sushi and Asian cuisine. The superb chefs craft each roll and dish with the utmost care, bringing out the fresh flavor inherent in the seafood. Yellowtail and oysters are impeccable, and even teriyaki dishes are beautifully done. If you're feeling bold, the servers will even suggest options that Americans usually pass over but that give a more authentic sense of Japanese cuisine. Tatami rooms are available for privacy, and with 48 hours notice, the kitchen will prepare a multi-course dinner for you and your guests. One of the area's best.
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| 400 SW Broadway
Portland,
OR
97205
503-224-8285 | | | | | Description: This popular Thai restaurant has garnered much acclaim since it opened. Its exotic flavors, a mix of sweet and sour, salt and heat, fostered a new appreciation for Asian cuisine, especially one done with such skill and finesse. The driving force behind it all is Bo Kline, a Bangkok-born chef who takes authenticity to new heights and combines the traditions of peasant cooking and palace cuisine. Bo provokes palates with her takes on chicken coconut soup, pad thai and miang kum (spinach wrapped morsels that explode with flavor). She also livens up everything from chicken in green curry to lemongrass pork tenderloin and three-flavor fish. Bo's approach to fried bananas and homemade coconut ice cream also draws raves, and a huge selection of fragrant teas makes for great sipping. Second location at 2310 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97210. Call for details: (503)243-7557
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